Warning: Constants may only evaluate to scalar values in /home4/theagate/public_html/volan.org/wp-content/plugins/my-custom-functions/my-custom-functions.php on line 69Councilmanic – DEMYSTIFYING MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ONE TOWN AT A TIME (STARTING WITH THE MODEST CITY OF BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA USA)

Did I mention that the ordinance I authored earned the mayor’s veto? Just as I was anticipating the establishment of a new Bloomington Parking Commission in the last post, I was taken aback by Mayor Hamilton’s announcement that he refused to sign Ordinance 16-22. The Mayor’s response on Nov. 11, in … Continue reading

Share this:

I‘m very pleased to report that last Wednesday the City Council approved my proposal for a Parking Commission by a 7-0-1 vote. Is this a big deal? It is to me, but I proposed it — virtually all the regulated parking in town is in District 6. Why should you … Continue reading

Share this:

It’s been a busy month, faithful readers. To ease my way back into the writing habit, I bring you an anniversary treasure: ten years ago today, I wrote on this blog about wearing a chicken suit to a city council meeting. Most of the content is up-to-date. Not all of … Continue reading

Share this:

Q: I’m a college student. Should I vote in the place where I’m going to college? — Not From These Here Parts The short answer A: Everyone over the age of 18 should register to vote. Yes, you should register to vote where you’re living right now. Yes, if … Continue reading

Share this:

Q: What’re the first steps someone needs to take to get involved in local government? And do you need to be affiliated with a party? — Citizen Newbie A: Newbie, I’m going to dodge the intent of this question, which is how to participate personally in the electoral process. But that gives … Continue reading

Share this:

I‘m a big fan of Ben Hamilton-Baillie, the British urban space designer and traffic engineer who specializes in “reconciling traffic movement with quality public spaces in cities, towns and villages.” I mentioned him a couple of weeks ago in a post about how double-parked delivery trucks are maybe not such a bad … Continue reading

Share this:

This is a long post. There’s lots of ground to cover. I hope it addresses all the concerns people have brought up since yesterday’s post exploded via social media, but it may require more dialogue. Just know at the outset: I’ve been up all night writing this follow-up post, and … Continue reading

UPDATE 9/24: The students pictured below were not in blackface; they were (attempting to) dress as Blue Man Group. Accusations of explicit racism have been corrected below: incorrect info is struck through and new info is underlined. Full update, and sources for new info below, in the post that succeeds this … Continue reading

Share this:

Q: There are places that have never gotten a handi-friendly remake. I’m thinking any of the corners of Third Street, Bryan Avenue and High Street. This is a choke point for cyclists as all of a sudden there is no room on the street and no easy way to get up … Continue reading

Share this:

Last week, in addressing what Bloomington could do to see more “affordable” housing built, I wrote this: Council has some authority, but not that much in a country called the United “States” of America, whose provinces have significantly more power than do provinces in other countries.Our Constitution mentions neither cities nor any other … Continue reading